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Dodgers players tape video segments for lineup intros

Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten and senior VP of planning and development Janet Marie Smith discuss the renovations at Dodger Stadium

By Ken Gurnick
/
MLB.com |

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- New ownership is putting much effort into enhancing the fan experience at Dodger Stadium, including enlisting the participation Monday of several players to tape segments that will be included in opening video scenes before pregame lineup introductions.

Turning the visiting clubhouse at Camelback Ranch into a makeshift studio, a production crew directed Clayton Kershaw, Matt Kemp, Carl Crawford, Andre Ethier and a handful of their teammates through poses and action shots that will also become elements of televised commercials.

"It was cool," said Ethier. "It's nice to see the effort going in to get some hype and energy at the start of the game. They are really trying to create a type of buzz and excitement to get the game underway. I like it. Get the place buzzing, get the energy going and turn it into a bigger home-field advantage."

Crawford said he isn't normally the showbiz type, but admitted it was fun and said it's all part of the Los Angeles experience.

"I'm dipping into some hidden talent," he said of his acting. "No rehearsal. I'm a natural. It's Hollywood. I've got to make adjustments to that, too."

Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.